Here's An Interesting Challenge For Amir

[Jim Creek]

Measure the SINAD of Apples's Lightning to 3.5mm adapter and USB-C to 3.5mm adapter streamed from an iPhone, iPad and MacBook. Both adapters contain a mini Cirrus Logic DAC chip and cost under $10. How do these devices measure and how do they compare to a $200+ stand alone DAC? The results would be very interesting.

 

[BlackTalon]

send them in -- he'll test them.

 

[Doodski]

Measure the SINAD of Apples's Lightning to 3.5mm adapter and USB-C to 3.5mm adapter streamed from an iPhone, iPad and MacBook. Both adapters contain a mini Cirrus Logic DAC chip and cost under $10. How do these devices measure and how do they compare to a $200+ stand alone DAC? The results would be very interesting.

Interesting until one realizes that gathering all those devices might be a tad expensive and a pain in the butt.

 

[kemmler3D]

Measure the SINAD of Apples's Lightning to 3.5mm adapter and USB-C to 3.5mm adapter streamed from an iPhone, iPad and MacBook. Both adapters contain a mini Cirrus Logic DAC chip and cost under $10. How do these devices measure and how do they compare to a $200+ stand alone DAC? The results would be very interesting.

So basically testing whether there's a difference between USB and lightning? There shouldn't be any relevant differences in the digital output of the iPad / iPhone.

I don't know why we would expect differences from the type of plug either, but I guess that's why we would test.

 

[Chrispy]

Doesn't sound too exciting....

 

[sanmateo]

I was wondering if the apple headphone adapters (or any other modern small portable device) is measurably worse at max volume. That is, would one want to run it at 75% volume for best distortion/flatness.

a long time ago I read that max output on some portable devices would deliberately add distortion to mimic clipping, because psycho-acoustically that would sound "louder"

bonus points for whether the above is true/different for the EU version of the adapter (which is output limited to to protect the precious ears of European children.)

 

[TurtlePaul]

I was wondering if the apple headphone adapters (or any other modern small portable device) is measurably worse at max volume. That is, would one want to run it at 75% volume for best distortion/flatness.

Amir already tested this and the Apple dongle doesn’t clip at 100% volume of 1V.

 

[Jimbob54]

We know how the usb c dongle performs albeit not from an I device https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...gle-usb-c-headphone-adapters.5541/post-123415

He's also measured countless £200 dacs

Also , can I merge your 2 recent threads about these devices please ? They are almost identical and sure do draw similar comments .thanks

 

[wwenze]

So basically testing whether there's a difference between USB and lightning? There shouldn't be any relevant differences in the digital output of the iPad / iPhone.

I don't know why we would expect differences from the type of plug either, but I guess that's why we would test.

Someone always needs to spot check the OS. Like android 48khz shenanigans.

 

[JSmith]

Might be an idea to use one of the existing threads;

A wishlist of gear to be reviewed by Amir

Antelope Zen Quadro Presonus Quantum HD 2

www.audiosciencereview.com

We measure audio equipment for free!!!

Hi Amir-- how is it going w/ my Cambridge Minx XL's? Pls try & get them back to me as you have had them for about 6 mos. Thank you-- c marasco

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[Jim Creek]

So basically testing whether there's a difference between USB and lightning? There shouldn't be any relevant differences in the digital output of the iPad / iPhone.

I don't know why we would expect differences from the type of plug either, but I guess that's why we would test.

What would be interesting is testing a $9 Apple adapter with a miniature Cirrus Logic DAC, either Lightning or USB-C, then comparing the results with a $300 Topping DAC.

 

[staticV3]

What would be interesting is testing a $9 Apple adapter with a miniature Cirrus Logic DAC

Here you go:

Review: Apple vs Google USB-C Headphone Adapters

This is a review, detailed measurements and comparison of Apple's USB-C adapter to the current and last version of Google Pixel headphone adapters. The Apple adapter costs just $9 including one day shipping for free. The Google dongle costs $12. Not that any of these are large by any stretch...

www.audiosciencereview.com

then comparing the results with a $300 Topping DAC.

Here you go:

Search results for query: Topping dac

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Jim Creek]

Here you go:

Review: Apple vs Google USB-C Headphone Adapters

This is a review, detailed measurements and comparison of Apple's USB-C adapter to the current and last version of Google Pixel headphone adapters. The Apple adapter costs just $9 including one day shipping for free. The Google dongle costs $12. Not that any of these are large by any stretch...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Here you go:

Search results for query: Topping dac

www.audiosciencereview.com

I’m glad you found this dongle review. Thanks! I could not for the life of me find that review. The Apple dongle tested out at a SINAD of 99. That’s beyond my ability to hear noise or distortion. I could easily live with that performance thereby making the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter my one and only DAC with my MacBook.